According to Making the Case for Social and Emotional Learning and Service-Learning, the following are examples of effective social and emotional learning programs.

Resolving Conflict Creatively Program (RCCP). Using a curriculum that teaches several core skills, this program is one of the largest school-based violence prevention programs in the country. The core skills include communicating and listening, cooperating, expressing feelings and dealing with anger, resolving conflicts, appreciating diversity, and countering bias. An evaluation of 5,000 participants in grades 2-6 found significant decreases in hostility and aggression and substantial advances in prosocial behavior. Students' scores in reading and math on standardized tests also increased dramatically.

Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS) Curriculum. A comprehensive prevention program for elementary students in kindergarten through 5th grade, PATHS is designed to improve social, emotional, and academic abilities. Regular classroom instructors teach PATHS with initial support from project staff. Detailed lessons, taught throughout the course of each academic year, focus on essential developmental skills in emotional literacy, positive peer relations, and problem solving. Parents are also involved in reinforcing the lessons that children are learning in school. Four studies - two involving regular classroom students and two involving special needs students - have shown an increase in social and emotional competencies, a decrease in aggression and depression, and an improvement in cognitive abilities related to school success.

Check & Connect. Implemented with elementary, middle, and high school students who have attendance problems and are at risk of educational failure, this program utilizes mentors who work with students and parents over an extended period of time. The mentors regularly check on students' educational progress and intervene as appropriate to maintain students' commitment to school and learning. Mentors do not replace established relationships in children's lives but collaborate with other adults in supporting students' educational success. Several studies have shown significantly improved attendance and graduation rates among Check & Connect students.

Source: Making the Case for Social and Emotional Learning and Service-Learning, Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, Education Commission of the States and Laboratory for Student Success.